CHAT WITH ATTORNEY

Last night was a long conversation with a newly found friend. The conversation was spontaneous although most of the stories were his. We jumped from one topic to another as we talked about life, religion, dreams, personality and character, and life-changing experiences. From that small chat, I got a glimpse of what future can offer, of what things that I should take seriously, of what important decisions to make and of what should I be.

These are few tid-bits that I have to ponder:

• Should I dream bigger?  Before I graduated in college, I already had my plans.  Enter the industry for at least two years to gain experience. Target industry or work area concerns industrial waste management.  While working, enroll in a graduate schools here in the Philippines or abroad for a Master's degree with the specialization in Environmental Engineering and Management. After receiving the degree, enter the government or the academe to give back the goodness of life.  Basically, that is the structure.

As of now, although as optimistic as I can be, I'm quite skeptical if things will go the way I planned. Thanks to attorney.  I have my answer.

"Part of our plans will not work the way we expected but it is just a matter of adjusting our thinking close to reality".  We often frustrate ourselves with expectations yet we are aware that our expectations is beyond reality.  We want a prospering career in a span of short time yet our expertise are not well-equipped.  For a beginner like me, I dream to be at the top of my game yet what I have in the moment are technical theories yet very lacking in actual practice.  To realize that dream, reality check is needed.  "Wait, is it really possible with this period of time?  Let me evaluate. How long will it take me to be at the top? How long will it take to master my specialization? How long will it take to be an expert? How long will I achieve that big dream?"

The big dreams are part of me.  It may be set aside for a while due to unforeseen circumstances but it's still burning.  The passion. The dynamics, The pulsating excitement.  The gyration of hope.  The realization of dreams. Those are still alive inside me.

• What are the things that will satisfy and, at the same time, content me?  I always say that contentment is relative.  It is upon the discretion of the people based on nature and nurture. You may hear a lot of people talking about the zeroes in their paycheck, newly acquired properties, top of the line cars, and other luxuries of life yet they are still clamoring for more. They particularly know what are the things that fill them but time will come that those are no longer satisfying.  They are no longer contented.  So the important question is how long till I feel full and content?  When will that be?

As a young professional, I often told myself that CAREER can give me satisfaction and to be more particular, a REMARKABLE CAREER.  I accepted the challenge in my present workplace because of this.  The position I handle is a pioneer.  It means I am the one that will build great things from ashes. I will design my plans in conformance to the goals of the company.  Does it feel rewarding?

Yes. It feels great.  Greatness, I must say, is one of the things that is very attracting and addicting. It satisfies me whereas contentment is another thing worthy to find.  And I believed attorney found it already.

"A point in your life will tell you that it is the time to enjoy.  Feel free from responsibility.  Feel free from the arrogance of strangers.  Feel the warmth of the sun.  Hear the whispering wind that touches your skin.  Throw away your burden on your shoulders.  Live life to the fullest because at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to yourself to be happy and content."

• Life offers much of what I need but what can I offer to life?  Culture of community belongingness is a major trademark during my college years.  We did regular outreach activities both for short and long term development assistance.  We crossed rivers to reach the Dumagats of Bulacan. We facilitated literacy program for underprivileged children of Ipo.  We tried to build homes in conjunction of the vision of Gawad Kalinga.  This spirit of sharing was indeed life changing experiences. 

I almost forgot that particular endeavor of becoming a VOLUNTEER when I enter the industry and focus on my career.  I became inactive in civic clubs where I used to be a member. I became a plain person without purpose.  That's how it felt.

Fortunately, I was invited in our Alma Mater to be a Guest Speaker in their Annual Student Congress with the Alumni last September.  It was a career congress per se.  I shared pieces of experiences which concerns my career.  Cited some instances that encouraged the students to pursue their career with utmost devotion. Shortly after that, the feeling was familiar.  It was a privilege that revived the VOLUNTEER in me.

I had the same feeling last night when attorney revealed to me a story that led to the establishment of his foundation.  I was amazed on how people touch other people's lives in an instant, on how God moves people to serve Him, on how a person changes lives and making a difference.  As for me, another door opens for me to get in and catch up to the journey I started.

Our conversation ended with much appreciation, learning and hope.